Artificial Grass Types
CHOOSE THE RIGHT GRASS FOR YOUR AREA
Artificial grass, also known as synthetic grass, mimics the look and feel of natural grass, providing a low-maintenance, year-round green alternative for lawns, landscapes, and sports fields.
Thinking about ditching the mud and mowing? Artificial grass, with its lush green appeal and low-maintenance charm, is an increasingly popular choice. But before you jump in, let’s explore the three main types.
Get an instant quote
Looking to get artificial grass installed? Complete our quick enquiry form and we’ll be in touch!
Prefer to speak over the phone?
Call us on 0412 920 261
A Resilient Choice for Your Lawn
Nylon Artificial Grass
Nylon artificial grass is a popular option for homeowners and businesses alike, thanks to its unique blend of strength, durability, and performance.
Key benefits to Nylon:
- Durability: Nylon is the strongest of the commonly used artificial grass materials, which makes it ideal for high-traffic areas, including playgrounds and childcare centres, sports fields, and pet-friendly lawns.
- Excellent UV resistance: The colour of nylon artificial grass fades less compared to other materials, thanks to its inherent UV resistance. This means your lawn will stay looking vibrant for longer.
- Low maintenance: Nylon artificial grass requires minimal upkeep, saving you time and money.
Things to consider before installing:
- Feel: Nylon is generally stiffer than other materials, which may not be as comfortable for barefoot walking.
- Cost: Nylon tends to be slightly more expensive than other options.
- Appearance: While advances have been made, nylon may not offer the same level of visual naturalness as some other materials.
Where to use it:
- High-traffic areas: Playgrounds, sports fields, pet-friendly areas
- Residential lawns: Backyards, patios, balconies
- Commercial landscaping: Public spaces, schools, hotels
Nylon artificial grass is a strong and durable option for lawns that see a lot of wear and tear. It’s particularly well-suited for hot climates and areas with strong sunlight. However, if you prioritise a soft feel or the most natural appearance, you may want to consider other materials.
A soft and more realistic choice
Polyethylene Artificial Grass
Polyethylene artificial grass is the perfect option if you’re looking appeal and comfort. Known for its softness, natural-looking appearance, and versatility, it’s a popular choice for homeowners seeking a lush, low-maintenance lawn.
Key benefits to Polyethylene:
- Luxurious feel: Polyethylene blades are softer and more flexible than nylon, offering a comfortable barefoot experience similar to natural grass.
- Realistic aesthetics: With advancements in fibre technology, Polyethylene grass boasts remarkably natural textures and colour variations, mimicking real grass closely.
- Wide variety: Polyethylene comes in various blade shapes, lengths, and colours, allowing you to customise the look to match your desired style and environment.
- UV resistance: Many Polyethylene options are treated with UV stabilisers, ensuring colorfastness and resisting fading under the sun.
- Moderate durability: While not as robust as nylon, Polyethylene offers sufficient durability for moderate traffic areas like residential lawns, patios, and balconies.
Things to consider before installing:
- Durability:Â Polyethylene is less resilient than nylon, making it less suitable for high-traffic areas like playgrounds or sports fields.
- Potential for matting:Â If not properly maintained, Polyethylene blades can mat down, requiring occasional brushing or raking. See more about our maintenance services.
- Cost:Â High-quality Polyethylene options can be more expensive than nylon.
Where to use it:
- Residential lawns:Â Backyards, patios, balconies, roof terraces
- Landscaping accents:Â Around pools, walkways, and play areas with moderate use
- Indoor applications: Playrooms, pet areas, gyms.
Overall, Polyethylene artificial grass offers an unparalleled combination of softness, natural aesthetics, and comfort. It’s ideal for creating lush, inviting spaces in residential settings and moderate-traffic areas. However, if durability is your priority, nylon might be a better choice.
Budget-Friendly option
Polypropylene Artificial Grass
Polypropylene artificial grass offers a cost-effective option for lawns and landscaping projects. While not the flashiest option, it is much more affordable and can be a compelling choice for specific needs.
Key benefits to Polypropylene:
- Affordable: Polypropylene is generally the most budget-friendly artificial grass material, making it ideal for larger areas where cost is a major concern.
- Moisture resistance: Polypropylene excels at repelling water and drying quickly, making it suitable for areas with heavy rainfall or drainage issues.
Things to consider before installing:
- Durability: Polypropylene is generally less durable than nylon or polyethylene, especially in high-traffic areas. It may wear down faster and require earlier replacement.
- Appearance: Polypropylene often has a less natural look compared to other materials, with stiffer blades and fewer colour variations.
- Feel: Polypropylene blades can be rougher and less comfortable on bare feet compared to softer materials like PE.
- Heat sensitivity:Â Some Polypropylene options may become brittle or melt in extreme heat, requiring careful selection for hot climates.
Where to use it:
- Budget-friendly lawns:Â Large areas where cost is a major factor
- Drainage-challenged areas:Â Lawns with poor drainage or heavy rainfall
- Playgrounds and sports fields:Â Moderate-traffic areas for occasional use (may require more frequent replacement)
- Pet areas: Polypropylene’s moisture resistance can be beneficial for pet-friendly spaces
Overall, Polypropylene artificial grass offers a budget-friendly solution for various applications. Its affordability, moisture resistance, and versatility make it a good choice for specific needs. However, keep in mind its limitations in durability, appearance, and comfort compared to other materials.
finding the right fit for your space
Pile Heights for Artificial Grass
A lush, realistic finish to your artificial grass isn’t just the material, but also pile height. This refers to the length of the individual blades, directly impacting the look, feel, and performance of your synthetic lawn. Choosing the right pile height is crucial for maximing the enjoyment and functionality of your space.
Understanding Pile Height:
Think of pile height as the haircut of your artificial grass. Shorter styles like a crew cut translate to lower profiles (around 20-30mm), while longer options like a flowy mane represent taller blades (up to 50mm or more).
Short Pile Height (20-30mm):
- Ideal for:Â High-traffic areas, playgrounds and sporting fields.
- Benefits:Â Durable, easy to clean, resilient to matting, provides good drainage, realistic look for sports fields.
- Drawbacks:Â Less comfortable underfoot, can feel rough on bare skin, not as visually lush as taller options.
Medium Pile Height (30-40mm):
- Ideal for:Â Residential lawns, backyards, moderate-traffic areas, play areas with some foot traffic.
- Benefits:Â Balances durability and comfort, offers a more natural appearance, good for moderate drainage, suitable for light pet use.
- Drawbacks:Â May mat down slightly in high-traffic areas, requires occasional brushing, not as soft as taller options.
Long Pile Height (40mm+):
- Ideal for:Â Decorative areas, low-traffic zones, creating a luxurious, plush feel.
- Benefits:Â Most comfortable underfoot, offers the most realistic, lush appearance, great for barefoot areas.
- Drawbacks:Â Less durable, prone to matting in high-traffic areas, requires more maintenance (brushing, infill), not recommended for pets or sports.
Choosing the Right Pile Height:
Ultimately, the best pile height depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider the following:
- Traffic:Â High-traffic areas like playgrounds need short, resilient pile heights.
- Comfort:Â If barefoot use is important, prioritise medium or long pile heights.
- Aesthetics:Â For a natural look, medium pile heights strike a good balance.
- Maintenance:Â Higher pile heights require more brushing and infill to prevent matting.
- Budget:Â Taller pile heights tend to be more expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, artificial grass can be a good option for dogs. It’s low-maintenance, eliminating the need for muddy paws and digging, and it’s easily cleaned of pet waste. We recommend choosing a high-quality turf with good drainage.
Â
Yes, artificial grass can be laid on concrete. The process typically involves preparing the surface by ensuring it’s level and free of cracks, then installing a drainage layer and infill material before laying the turf. This allows for proper water drainage and prevents the concrete from heating up the grass excessively.
Yes, artificial grass can also be laid on soil. However, proper preparation is crucial to prevent weeds and insects from becoming a problem. This involves removing existing vegetation, laying a weed barrier fabric, and installing a drainage system before laying the artificial grass.
High-quality artificial grass is fire-retardant and will not easily catch fire. However, it’s important to avoid exposing it to open flames or extreme heat sources like fireworks.
The most realistic-looking artificial grass is typically made from polyethylene or a blend of PE and nylon. These materials offer a softer texture and more natural-looking colour variations compared to polypropylene, which is often a more affordable options.
The best artificial grass for a football or sporting field requires high durability, resilience, and performance. Nylon is the preferred material due to its strength and resistance to wear and tear.
For a balcony, choose a soft and comfortable artificial grass suitable for barefoot walking. Opt for a polyethylene turf with a medium pile height to provide cushioning and drainage. Lighter colours will reflect heat better, making it more comfortable in sunny weather.
